Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, Middletown, Rhode Island

[JohnS]

If you ever find yourself in Rhode Island (and for those of us who aren't US citizens...it's the smallest state in America with a length of  only 48 miles or 77 kms and a width of 37 miles or 60 kms) check out this cigar and whiskey lounge below in Middletown, near the seaside town of Newport...

Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, Middletown, Rhode Island

May 31, 2024 - By Garrett Rutledge

Since the indulgent days of the Gilded Age, Newport, Rhode Island and its surrounding areas have served as a summer escape for city dwellers of the northeast. The beautiful oceanside town plays host to many grand, historic homes—of both the past and the present—which sit alongside a litany of quaint cottages and bed and breakfast retreats. The dichotomy between Newport’s rich history with America’s elite families and its humble, New England town charm continues to attract visitors from all over, particularly in the summer. But as alluring as a visit to Newport can be, there’s only one problem, there’s nowhere to smoke cigars indoors. Thankfully, Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge is just a short drive away in Middletown, Rhode Island—and it’s well worth a visit for cigar lovers.

Breakwaters is located to the northeast of Newport, no more than about ten minutes away from the heart of Thames Street and Bowen’s Wharf. Both Middletown and Newport are located on Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, a sprawling harbor located to the west of Nantucket and east of the Long Island Sound. Providence, Rhode Island, the state’s most populous city and a common stop on travel routes between Boston and New York City, is about 45 minutes north. If you're ever traveling between the bustling cities, it’s worth considering the longer travel route to visit Newport and stop for a smoke at Breakwaters.

The cigar bar opened in 2020 and occupies about 1,500 square feet in total. As you walk in, immediately to your left and right are two seating enclaves with leather lounge chairs and tables equipped with ashtrays. Straight ahead, a large stone bar, lined with bar chairs and USB outlets if you need a charge, takes up the space on the left-hand side of the lounge. Behind the bar and spread throughout the space, are six flat screen televisions mounted to the walls. You won’t have an issue finding a good angle to watch a game. The bar is equipped with plenty of beer on tap, including some local brews, and a well-stocked whisky selection. Some of the highlights include Blanton’s, Woodford Reserve, Balvenie, Glenlivet, Redbreast and WhistlePig, to name only a few. There’s also plenty of cocktails and wine on the menu, should you want a different pairing. 

Farther down, at the back of the lounge, sits another group of seats huddled just past the bar. There’s also a few tables and chairs out front, should you want some air while you smoke. A series of lights hang above the full length of the bar, but there’s also windows on either side of the lounge, allowing for plenty of natural light. The ceilings are high and spacious, and overall, the lounge is well ventilated. Relaxing, light blue-toned walls add to the generally laid back ambiance of Breakwaters, which only seems fitting for this bayside retreat.

The crown jewel is, of course, the sizable humidor, located just across from the bar area. The walk-in humidor, outfitted with tall glass-paneled windows, is well-kept and spacious. You’ll find a healthy selection of smokes in here, including cigars from big brands and cigarmakers such as La Aroma de Cuba, Aladino, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Padrón, Tatuaje, My Father, A.J. Fernandez, Rocky Patel and Perdomo. There’s also plenty of options from various boutique brands and cigarmakers like Caldwell, HVC Cigars, Foundation Cigar Co., Illusione and much more.

Owner Ron Reed says the typical demographic is generally men over 30 years old. However, he did note there’s a strong influx of out-of-towners during busy, in-season summer months, as well as military folk from the nearby Newport Naval Station. Given the popularity Newport has as a bachelor/bachelorette destination, Breakwaters also offers special packages to allow wedding parties to reserve a section of the lounge and have access group offers on cigars.

They do have a member-based loyalty program, aptly named Breakwaters Cigar Aficionados, that allows participants to earn discounts as they purchase smokes. Like most cigar bars, various events are put on in conjunction with cigarmakers throughout the year, like an annual cigar dinner hosted by Altadis in June. Breakwaters also hosts monthly pairing events. 

Breakwaters Cigar & Whiskey Lounge
796 Aquidneck Avenue 
Middletown, RI  02842
(401) 324-5196
https://www.breakwaterscigar.com

Hours:

Mon-Th 9am to 11pm   
Fri-Sat 9am to 1am             
Sun noon to 10pm

Source: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/breakwaters-cigar-whiskey-lounge-middletown-rhode-island

[BrightonCorgi]

Middletown is just outside of Newport, RI where all the richest of industrial age had some homes in the US. Very old money, and glamorous in Newport. Middletown is about 90 minutes away for me. Great place to be in the summer.

[JohnS]

Thanks @BrightonCorgi. Indeed, it does sounds like a great place to visit in the summer.

[BoliDan]

As a New England native, Rhode Island might be my favorite. Boston is great but Providence night life is brilliant. Music outside, candle light patios. Cheaper drinks. The food scene is not as good, but the prices make up for it.